Historic Florida Retreat Offers Tourists a Slice of the Past and a Giant Lobster Photo Opportunity
Vibrant Roadside Haven: Rain Barrel Village
Located on an Islamorada island, the Rain Barrel Village is an eclectic treasure trove for art enthusiasts and travelers along the Overseas Highway. The giant lobster out front is hard to miss, making it a captivating pitstop on your journey to Marathon or Key West.
A blast from the past, this quirky collection of colorful buildings houses a community of artists and artisans, offering an unparalleled experience filled with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, handcrafted goods, and island-inspired souvenirs.
Besides the shops brimming with original artwork, the Village is home to the legendary Betsy, a 30-foot-tall, 40-foot-long fiberglass sculpture of a Caribbean spiny lobster. This colossal crustacean is not only a beloved icon but also the second most photographed landmark in the Florida Keys, second only to the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West.
Sande Keil, the proud owner of Rain Barrel Village, shares that the Keys became an essential part of her family's life after they purchased a vacation home in Islamorada back in 1978. When the Village came up for sale in 2007, she saw not just a business opportunity but a chance to preserve and foster the Village's unique spirit.
Named after the large cisterns that once provided drinking water to the Keys, Rain Barrel Village is more than just a souvenir shop; it's a platform that supports and nurtures artists and small businesses, allowing them to build something meaningful.
Betsy the Lobster is the undeniable face of the Village, attracting travelers who can't resist pulling over for a photo with her on their road trip down south. Jennifer Cullen, owner of the Tipsy Octopus souvenir shop, acknowledges that Betsy certainly draws attention, giving a boost to local attractions.
An artist named Richard Blaze created the giant lobster in 1985. Initially, Betsy was commissioned for a local restaurant, but when the business closed before completion, the colossal crustacean ended up at another Islamorada attraction, Treasure Village. After a period in storage, Betsy found her permanent home at Rain Barrel Village in 2009.
After capturing memorable moments with Betsy, visitors can explore the array of unique shops, take a stroll through the garden area, and enjoy a cup of coffee or a bite to eat at one of the two cafes.
Visitors like Megan Stennes, who stopped by with her family in April, often find themselves lingering longer than expected after discovering the variety of stores hidden within the Village. Stennes, intrigued by Betsy, quickly realized that there was more to Rain Barrel Village than she initially thought.
Artists form the heart and soul of the Village, but Betsy serves as the unmistakable face. William Purser, owner of Sculptured Glass, has been part of the Village for more than two decades, showcasing his intricate glass sculptures of fish, birds, and other Florida Keys wildlife to eager visitors.
Purser fell in love with the Village during a visit to art galleries in the Keys and appreciates the camaraderie among the artists. He sees Rain Barrel Village as a thriving community where they all strive for progress and continued growth.
Judith Chesher, owner of Art on a Whim, showcases work from around 30 different Keys artists at her store. Chesher admires the free-spirited nature of the Keys, which has attracted and fostered artists for generations, creating a dynamic and supportive artistic community.
Betsy the Giant Lobster, more than just a curious roadside attraction, stands as a symbol of the marine culture of the Florida Keys, highlighting the region's rich wildlife and ecosystem, while also propelling the growth and success of the burgeoning art scene in the area.
- The Rain Barrel Village in Islamorada is a vibrant community for artists and travelers, known for its eclectic assortment of shops and artworks.
- Sande Keil, the owner of Rain Barrel Village, saw more than a business opportunity when she purchased it in 2007; she saw a chance to preserve the Village's unique spirit and nurture small businesses.
- A 30-foot-tall, 40-foot-long fiberglass sculpture of a Caribbean spiny lobster named Betsy is the undeniable face of the Village and the second most photographed landmark in the Florida Keys.
- Betsy the Lobster, originally commissioned for a local restaurant in 1985, found her permanent home at Rain Barrel Village in 2009.
- Painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, and other artisans exhibit their work within the various shops of the Village, providing visitors with an unparalleled shopping experience.
- After exploring the shops and taking photos with Betsy, visitors can unwind with a cup of coffee or a bite to eat at one of the cafes located within the Village.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts, lovers of marine culture, and art aficionados alike will find a piece of the Keys lifestyle to take home at Rain Barrel Village.
